Dar Al-Hijrah Times Vol. 1 No. 1 by Kaamil Haider

Dar AL-HIJRAH TIMES VOLUME 1 NO. 1

ST. PAUL | MINNEAPOLIS

Keeping up with Health

NOVEMBER 2008 | THUL-QA’DAH 1429

WWW.DARALHIJRAH.COM

Updates on Dar Al-Hijrah

Daily habits one should follow. Stop yawning and read the health section!

New halaqas and programs at Dar Al-Hijrah to be benefited are added to its previous activities. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) urged all of us to be four and not five; either teach, learn, listen, or help the formers. Students, both through elementary to college, are highly anticipated to partake in these activities to better understand our religion in a time when Islam is being attacked from every angle.

 Read more at PAGE 7A

 Read more at PAGE 5A

Back to School: the story revealed  Read more at PAGE 7A

Dar Al-Hijrah:

10 Years of Accomplishments BY ABDIKADIR M. IBRAHIM & KAAMIL HAIDER dtimes@daralhijrah.com It is the 10th year anniversary of Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Civic Center. It was only ten years ago, occupying one level of the current building, that Dar Al-Hijrah center started its mission; in response to the needs of the growing Muslim communities in the Twin Cities and to nurture and develop the youth with educational programs. Many elements of this center have changed over the course of these years; from the basement to the second floor, Dar Al-Hijrah is manifesting through the calls of the community.

The younger generation that started volunteering at the center are now adults running the center, the children at that time are now the youths eager to change more, and the adults at that time are now sitting back and enjoying the fruits that they have sowed. With growing numbers in volunteering and the additional programs at the center, Dar Al-Hijrah holds true in its essence of existence; it is a center for the people and by the people. The center is a daily haven for anyone to pray at its designated mosque section, celebrate, hold events, attend Islamic sermons and gatherings, come learn about Islam, and many more. For the past few months, as part of its mission, Dar Al-Hijrah

have had the pleasure to hold informational meetings with people of different faiths to come to the center to learn about Islam. This will continue for it is our obligation to propagate Islam to others. The once famous philosopher said that Muslims are chivalries people. As Muslims in America, we have great opportunity to spread true Islam and bring awareness in Churches, Synagogues and schools to teach what Muslims really believe in while tackling stereotype issues that overwhelmingly has taken the mainstream.

 Read more at PAGE 4A

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Losing Faith:

A Voice of Salahudin Student Union

A Sad Story of Muslim Youth Does it sadden you to hear a Muslim give up so easily to shaydaan(devil)? I have walked the street and noticed this. That we are not even trying to help in the least bit? We ask ourselves is it really their fault? With numerous deaths, the revenge that racks their ribs, and their strangled attempts to repent? The deaths of our brothers, may Allah be merciful to them, had a bigger affect then many of us would have expected. It had, surBY MARYAN YUSUF prisingly, the opposite reaction then it should. myusuf@daralhijrah.com Instead of feeling remorse and repenting from wrong ways instead we choose to give up on “What’s the point? Isn’t easier to our lives, our faith. We should have taken their just give it up? I’ve already done all deaths as an example not as a path to even the sins. There is no going back, I more destruction. belong nowhere but the streets;  Read more at PAGE 4A even if it means I have to die here.”Anonymous

Salahudin Student Union, the bedrock of Dar Al-Hijrah's progression, has done many great activities, established programs and newspapers, and hosted events in order to help succeed our young Muslim teens in Northern America.

 Read more at PAGE 5A

Waajibka Ka Saraan Qofka Muslimka Ah Fidinta Diinta Alle Alle (S.W) wuxuu yiri isagoo ilmaamaya fadliga iyo qiimaha ay dheertahay u madaan ummadihii hore. “Waxaad tihiin ummad mida ugu khayr badan taasoo loo soo saaray dadka, Walaalayaal waan wada ogsoonahay ama la waxaad faraysaan wanaaga aadna reebaysaan wada soconaa in ay wajib kutahay qof walba oo xumaanta.” Sidoo kale rasuulka S.A.W. wuxuu wax ka garanaya Diinta Alle in uu sii gudbiyo. BY ABDIFATAH MAHAMUD amahamud@daralhijrah.com

INDEX

yiri “Iga gaarsiiya ummada xageeyga aayadba allaha kadhigee.” Walaalayaal waxaa kamid ahaa waxyaabihii lagu halaagay Yahuuda in ay qarin jireen xaqqa. Alle (C.W) wuxuu yiri asaga oo la hadlaya Yahuuda; “ha ku qaldina xaqqa baadilka oo aad qarisaan haqqa idinka oo og.”

POETRY 4 | ENTERTAINMENT 5 | UPDATES 5 | SOMALI 7 |

Taasi waxay natusinaysaa qarin la qariyaa xaqqa in ay ka tahay danbi weyn Alle aktiis. Waxaa kaloo qiimo mudan in la faafaahiyo ama wax yar laga taabto in ay dadbadani u fahmaan ama u qaataan si kale oo ay yiraah daan. Ayyadu waxay qusaysaa ama ka

 Ka si akhriso Booga 7A

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Vol. 1 No. 1 November 2008 - Thul-Qa'dah 1429

Upcoming Events & Programs

Thanksgiving Event - Nov. 27, '08 Winter-Break Educational Workshops - Dec. 22, '08 - Jan. 2, '09  Need updates on Dar Al-Hijrah? Please check us online at www.daralhijrah.com

Vol. 1 No. 1 November 2008 - Thul-Qa'dah 1429

Editor's

LETTER All praises and thanks are due to Allah, the Exalted, for guiding us to the path of Islam. Many thanks go to the writers, editors, founders, designers, organizers, and sponsors of Dar Al-Hijrah Times. The clock evolves, years came and others went by along the way. It has now been ten years down the road since the establishment of the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Civic Center. It is a great opportunity to take a look and commemorate the tenth anniversary of its birth. When the center was established in 1998, it contained the first mosque founded in south Minneapolis, Cedar and Riverside neighborhoods, with a limited resources and facilities. The rented area as mosque was not enough to accommodate for the hundreds of Muslims living in the neighborhood to come and perform prayers. Today, it reflects on different picture indicating how it was developed and changed as result of a great contribution from the Muslim community. Along the days, the center grew up and began to offer various services to Muslim community in the Twin Cities. As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the center, we can realize the dramatic change that the center has witnessed since its establishment. The beautiful renovation in its designated prayer sections is a typical example that indicates how the structure has completely changed. We enjoy under its roof, making an opportunity for the Muslim community to perform different activities like prayers and lectures. In addition, the center provides health service to the community where people get free health service from Tuesday to Saturday on regular basis. There are also a number of weekend Islamic schools that run under the center where most of our young generation find guidance and helpful teaching opportunities to increase their Islamic knowledge and stay connected to their Islamic identity. More offer, the center is a place for the Muslim youth where they can participate actively in serving their community. So far, there are two main youth groups that exist in the center. Dar Al-Hijrah Youth Council (DYC) – it consist of mainly college students who are the back bone of the centers’ programs. Salahudin Student Union (SSU), a branch of DYC, consists of young students who are the driven power of the youth activities at the center. As we mark off ten years of serving and growth, the center is taking a new direction to extend its activities and provide more services to Muslim community in the long term plan. For instance, the upcoming of a new full-time private Islamic school with its facilities and equipments is the current project. This project is a portion of many tasks that the Dar Al-Hirah is striving to initiate for the purpose of serving the Muslim community in the long run. However, as its motto indicates, Dar Al-Hijrah is a center for the people by the people; the benefits of this kind project and similar pioneer projects that Dar Al-Hijrah initiates are for the community. Finally, we extent our gratitude to Muslim community who participated in making the centers’ projects and activities more successful and ask Allah to reward them for the good deeds they have done for the sake of Allah. May Allah reward them on the Day of Judgment—Allahuma Amiin.

SALAHUDIN STUDENT UNION OFFICIALS CHAIR: MOHAMED SAMATAR msamatar@daralhijrah.com

EDITORS: ABDIKADIR M. IBRAHIM aibrahim@daralhijrah.com KAAMIL HAIDER khaider@daralhijrah.com

VICE-CHAIR: MARYAN YUSUF myusuf@daralhijrah.com

SPONSORED BY DAR AL-HIJRAH ISLAMIC CIVIC CENTER

SECRETARY: JIHAN SAMATER jsamatar@daralhijrah.com

SUPERVISED BY DAR AL-HIJRAH YOUTH COUNCIL (DYC)

TREASURER: KHADIJA HASSAN khassan@daralhijrah.com

DYC@DARALHIJRAH.COM

SSU MAIN BRANCH 504 CEDAR AVE SUITE #2 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55454 612.227.8374 / 612.481.4423 SJ@DARALHIJRAH.COM

Closer Look at Dar Al-Hijrah's Programs [Programs] To seek knowledge is a sacred responsibility and binding action upon every Muslim, female or male. Being part of a Muslim community that resides within a non-Muslim nation, a great responsibility rests upon every Muslim's shoulders to understand and convey the religion of Islam in the noblest way that has been taught and preached by our great teacher prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Therefore, Masjid Dar Al-Hijrah has established programs on Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays. These weekly programs focus on people from any educational level including students, the principle that guide fellow Muslims in their daily lives and the essence of Islam. The programs include: Salahudin Islamic School is one of the Dar AlHijrah‘s Islamic schools that currently service students of all ages. Its curriculum includes memorization of the holy Qur’an, Islamic Beliefs (Aqeedah), reading and writing Arabic, Islamic manners (Tarbiyah), Islamic history (Seerah), prophet’s way of life (Hadith), jurisprudence (Fiq), and remembrance of Allah (Thikr). It is has been serving the Muslim community in Minnesota for a number of years. It has passed through different level of situations that has encouraged its staffs, students, parents, teachers to double their efforts to promote for the wellbeing of the societies. Now, Salahudin School reached a level which its students established to form a Salahudin Student Union. To enroll please contact us (612) 227-8374/(612) 298-3021 or info@daralhijrah.com

Dar Al-Hijrah Youth Council (DYC) shall welcome any Muslim youth in the state of Minnesota to enhance their religion and culture, expand their educational level, strengthen between families and youth ties, and establish non-violent methods for peace, institute integrity, and work for better future. To work with or become a member, please contact us 612-644-3864 (612) 481-4423 or chairs@daralhijrah.com Salahudin Student Union (SSU) is a student organization that helps youth get more involved in Islamic activities and to get Muslim youths involved in the community and keep their Islamic values. SSU is a branch of Dar Al-Hijrah Youth Council that deals with younger students. It works closely with students in elementary and middle school, operates a bi-yearly journal, holds Islamic events, workshops, and producing documentaries regarding issues in our society. To work with or become a member, please contact us (612) 226-0134 ssu@daralhijrah.com Salahudin Journal is published by Salahudin Student Union; a group of youths from Salahudin Weekend Islamic School. It is produced bi-yearly, and this is part of the community that promotes education and knowledge. Every issue discusses current affairs in the community, Islamic, health, science, education, literature, entertainment, and many more. To become a columnist (Somali/English) or subscribe, please e-mail us sj@daralhijrah.com

Dar Al-Hijrah Times is a newspaper that is published monthly by SSU officials and members of Dar Al-Hijrah. The newspaper discusses current news both in the world and community at large. Karmel-AlHikmah Islamic School (KAHIS) is a private Islamic school based in South Minneapolis, offering high quality academic and Islamic instruction. It is an elementary school for children 3 to 5 years of age. The school intends to grow by adding a grade each year insha’Allah. To enroll please contact us (612) 227-8374 Tajreed Sareeh (Sahih Bukhari): Being one of the six major Hadith collections, Sahih Bukahri is the most authentic book after the Quran. Written by the Muslim scholar Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari, this book covers almost all aspects of life in providing proper guidance of Islam such as the method of performing prayers and other actions of worship directly from Muhammad. General Information: Instructor: Imam Sharif Mohamed Email address: halaqa@daralhijrah.com Phone Number: 612-481-4423/612-226-0134 Day(s): Fridays Time: 7-8:30pm Location: Sisters’ section @ Masjid Dar Al-Hijrah Type of the Program: Teachings of Bukhari book (Hadith)

Qisasul Ambiya: Muslims regard those individuals chosen by Allah as the divine Prophets of Islam. All Prophets brought the same basic message of worshipping one God and abstaining from any form of idolatry. Allah has also mentioned in the Quran several times “And whoever obeys God and the messenger, these will be [in paradise] with the prophets and the truthful and the martyrs and the righteous, upon whom God has bestowed favors", thus Qisiul Ambiya will not only teach you about the stories of the Prophet’s but also the untold stories of History. Starting from Prophet Adam this book will take you all the way to the common era of the 21st century. Many unrevealed questions of today’s society such as division, land, and even war will become as clear as crystal because the Prophets of Allah not only held lessons they held history. Instructor: Imam Sharif Mohamed Email address: halaqa@daralhijrah.com Phone Number: 612-481-4423/612-226-0134 Day(s): Saturdays Time: 7-8:30pm Location: Sisters’ section @ Masjid Dar Al-Hijrah Type of the Program: Teachings of History of Prophets

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Life Making 101 : In today’s world where everything is being flipped from it is original aspect, Islam and Muslims are going through several major changes. Therefore, in this program we will put Islamic Education into practical skills and practices of everyday life inshAllah. Our intention of this program is for it to be a model to follow by placing everything in its original place instead of flip flopping it from its innovative site. The program will consists of lectures, discussions, specific study cases, research in particular topics and of course learning from one of the profound Islamic author’s book ( Mukhtasar Saheh Bukhari~ Abijamra). Just as many other courses in life require significant policies we intend to make our polices ones that will evolve directly from the teachings of this program, in other words teachings will involve an itinerary of actions that will prolong through an individuals lifetime inshallah. General Information: Instructor: Abdikadir Ibrahim Email address: lifemaking101@daralhijrah.com Phone Number: 612-227-8374 Date: Saturdays & Sundays Time: Instantly after Fajr- 8:00 AM Location: Sisters’ section @ Masjid Dar AlHijrah Type of the Program: Lecture, discussion & teaching of Bukhari book New  Yearlong Children School: This new program will start 1st week of January 2009 on Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30pm-6:30pm at the center. Contact for more information at 612.227.8374 | 612.423.5401 Sh. Ali Sufi : Islamic weekend school on Saturdays and Sundays. Iftin: Islamic weekend school on

Saturdays and Sundays. .............................................................

Poem Section: Now is the Time BY Aidrous Ali aali@daralhijrah.com Now is our time to spread Islam Now is our time to spread Humanity Now is our time to make peace Now is our time to disregard Ignorance Now is our time to bring brotherhood back Now is our time… Yes, now is our time to remember that We are all going to die and so before we die Now is our chance to bring goodness to the world Until the Day of Judgment So now is the time, let us save our souls from hell fire

Therefore, as every summer, they are inviting in the coming summer ages 6 and above to enroll in one of its kind courses (Specialized Summer Courses) dedicated for students in Dar Al-Hijrah schools and non- Dar Al-Hijrah students as well to take the vast opportunity of learning Islamic studies such as fiqhi, aqeeda, da’wah, and hadiths, Islamic history such as the prophets, caliphs, companions, seerah of the prophet, Tabi’een, imams, and school of thoughts, tarbiyah, Quran with memorization and tajweed, and Arabic literacy. These intensive courses start this summer on second week of June and continue till the third week of August every year. These courses definitely enrich with comprehensive knowledge about Islam from different areas. The greater Dar Al-Hijrah programs are intended to fulfill all the needs and aspects of the community. A healthier society breeds healthier people, who keep their spiritual, physical, and mental capacity healthy. Therefore, Dar Al-Hijrah provides free health screening services for the community in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health. In addition, the well being of any civilization rests upon the realms of family. Thus, the center established a counseling office where the imam provides counseling on social issues such as marriage, divorce, and conflict resolution. The growth of an individual rests upon two elements; physical and psychological. Eating healthier and exercising regularly are what makes a person fit, and this is where many people focus on. Having said that, the psychological aspect of people is important as much as the physical aspect, if not more. In order to be fit and balanced mentally and physically, one has to have both of these aspects. Education is a human right, as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said; “Seeking knowledge is mandatory upon every Muslim male or female.” Therefore providing educational opportunities for our community is one of the top priorities of Dar Al-Hijrah. Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic schools currently serve students of all ages. Current existing schools are Salahudin, Iftin, and Sheikh Ali Sufi Weekend Islamic Schools. The aims of these schools are to transmit authentic Islamic knowledge for students to uphold their Islamic identity, to keep the rites and costumes of Islam and Muslims alive through learning early historical and cultural generations, to produce conscious, successful, and productive citizens who possess the leadership skills to face future challenges. In conjunction with developing leaders

,Dar Al-Hijrah holds also true in emanating light upon the children before they become leaders; the rightful Islamic and other educational curriculums. Having seen the failures of our children in public schools in keeping their Islamic identity and academia, Dar Al-Hijrah administration took the initiatives to start a full -time Islamic private school for our children. It is a moral Islamic duty to the Muslim community to take care and preserve our children. Insha’Allah, a new Islamic school (Al-Hikmah) will fulfill the need and meet the expectations of our community. The school will start serving children from 3-5 years of age with smaller class sizes with a full rigorous curriculum such as Islamic studies, Qur’an, Tarbiyah, core subjects such as science, English, social sciences, and math, Arabic and Somali literacy, and many more. The school is located on the rim of Karmel Mall and 29th Pleasant Avenue in South Minneapolis. It has great Islamic environment where children receive character education and Islamic role models with caring teachers. The school is currently seeking students and staff. All of these accomplishments would not have taken place if it was not for our founders and leaders; Sh. Abdirahman Sharif, Sh. Abdisamad Ibrahim, and Br. Abdisalam Adam and many others in Dar Al-Hijrah. It is their dedication and perseverance throughout the years that has finally made the center a place that is enjoyed by everyone in the community; a place of worship, a center, an institution, and a place for all.

For furthermore information on Dar Al-Hijrah and its projects, please visit us online at www.daralhijrah.com. Both Ibrahim and Haider are continous staff writers at Dar AlHijrah Times and Salahudin Journal. Please contact them through dtimes@daralhijrah. com.

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a new graphical solutions for smaller business owners and non-profit organizations: [+1 612.481.4423] [+ byhaider@gmail.com]

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A Sad Story of Muslim Youth continued from page 1

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Sadly enough revenge has turned our already sad moment into an even more devastating time. His brother’s friend’s cousin killed my brother’s friend and so I will kill his brother’s cousin. Are you serious? Are we looking for a loophole to murder? Let us take example in the hadith of prophet (SAW); "While the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) was sitting with some of his companions, a man reviled AbuBakr and insulted him. But AbuBakr remained silent. He insulted him twice, but AbuBakr controlled himself. He insulted him thrice and AbuBakr took revenge on him. Then the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) got up when AbuBakr took revenge. AbuBakr said: Were you angry with me, Apostle of Allah? The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) replied: An angel came down from Heaven and he was rejecting what he had said to you. When you took revenge, a devil came . I was not going to sit when the devil is. (Translation of Sunan Abu-Dawud, General Behavior (Kitab Al-Adab), Book 41, Number 4878)"

So dear brothers and sisters in Islam truly ask yourself; are we on the right path to righteousness? Revenge is not the key and we must realize that. “Allah won’t forgive me for what I’ve done.” That’s not your decision to make. Allah says in the Quran, “Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds, for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (25:70) Thus, keep your head up even if you are being push down. Keep your faith strong even if you are being pushed in a corner. Learn from your mistakes. Forgive without reason. Love without conditions. Give for the sake of Allah. And remember never give up on Islam, for if you leave one will enter who is much better. Allah is most forgiving, most merciful. Asalaamu Calaykum Warahmatullahi wabarakaatu.

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Insha’Allah, I hope you will take a step ahead in Your whole life, which you have been looking for help Dar Al -Hijrah is there for you!

Dar Al-Hijrah is involved both inside the center and public squares to educate people of different faiths the dynamics and complicity of Islam in the West. Furthermore, Dar Al-Hijrah has been developing leaders who will organize Dar Al-Hijrah to be an effective and sustainable institution with the capacity to carry out the Dar Al-Hijrah operating principles and goals. These leaders are mainly youth who started to volunteer at the center at a younger age while some came to volunteer recently. The youth are the future of the Muslim communities despite how cliché it may seem. But the young people were forerunners for all the prophets, specifically Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and the certainly are for this generation of ummah. The Dar Al-Hijrah Youth Council (DYC) and Salahudin Student Union (SSU) are the two youth groups at the center who are created to guide our youth to the light of Islam. DYC welcomes any Muslim youth in Minnesota to enhance their religion and culture, expand their educational level, strengthen family ties, institute integrity, and work for a better future. DYC utilizes Islamic philosophy, education and training, to engage the community and unify the youth. DYC has the following subcommittees: education, finance, management, technology, sport, and public relations. Furthermore, SSU is a student union from Salahudin Weekend Islamic School that helps youth get more involved in Islamic activities. The aims of SSU are to get Muslim youths involved in the community and keep their Islamic values and identity. SSU is a branch of Dar Al-Hijrah Youth Council that deals with younger students. It works closely with students in elementary and middle schools, operates hex-monthly journal, which covers current community news, Islamic topics, health, science, education, and literature , holds Islamic events, workshops, and produce documentaries regarding issues in our society. As they operate daily activities at the center, they also hold bio-monthly events, which include spiritual guidance, educational workshops, and awareness, weekly study circles (Halaqas) that focuses on the youth so that they can enhance their knowledge of Islam through spiritual and intellectual enhancement so that youth become critical thinkers. As they already undertook the leadership as part of their obligations towards their communities and other faiths to educate our people, DYC and SSU hold many more activities throughout the holidays and summer.

In Dar Al-Hijrah life changes In Dar Al -Hijrah you will love humanity In Dar Al-Hijrah you will become a great scholar

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Dar Al -Hijrah teaches us about our faith Dar Al-Hijrah teaches us about humanity Dar Al -Hijrah teaches us the Quran Dar Al -Hijrah gives the Youth opportunities To be leaders

10 Years of Accomplishments

+1 612.481.4423 byhaider@gmail.com

Programs

Vol. 1 No. 1 November 2008 - Thul-Qa'dah 1429

The Voice of SSU BY FARTUN AHMED "QODOW" fahmed@daralhijrah.com Ten years already? Unbelievable, it is funny how time flies when you are having fun. Looking back into the past ten years, it’s amazing how one can discover the many things that have changed. The weaknesses that have evolved into strengths, the acquaintances that have distorted into life time brothers and sisters, the ignorance that has augmented into knowledge with every step taken, and the practice that has laid a stepping stone for vital experience. As the frontiers of Dar Al-Hijrah celebrate their accomplishments this year, we are one step behind them taking them as a sole example for what we can possibly achieve. We have not stood for ten years nor have we stood for even five but the limited number of years enlighten us only to acknowledge that the road ahead of us will not be concluding anytime soon. We are Salahudin Student Union, nonetheless but a branch of the actual youth organization of Dar AlHijrah Youth Council. We believe that because of us Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Civic Center stands out from the rest, were else can you get a group of youth as vivacious as us? Salahudin Student Union was founded in December of 2006 by a group of young talented high school students with help from Abdikadir Ibrahim, a teacher at Salahudin Weekend Islamic School, and Kaamil Haider, currently the chair of Dar Al-Hijrah Youth Council better known as DYC. In order to truly understand Salahudin Student Union, one must hear it from the founders, leaders, and even members. With that said, here is an exclusive interview with the founder and first president of Salahudin Student Union—Khali Mohamed. Khali Mohamed was the first president of Salahudin Student Union, not only that, but she was also one of the prominent founders. She currently attends Salahudin Weekend Islamic School and is a full time student at St. Paul Community College. Q. Can you give us a brief history of Salahudin Student Union? A. Salahudin Student Union has had a long history although it might not seem so. We started out with 7 members with a majority of girls and a few boys. One of the first things on our agenda was to publish some kind of magazine for Muslim youth to be able to enjoy, with help from many older youths, we were able to achieve that goal. We have also held numerous Eid celebrations for our classmates at Salahudin Weekend Islamic School. Currently we have published 7 Salahudin Journals (SJ) and have many members.

Q. As far as an union goes, what kinds of committees or sub-groups do you guys have? A. We have many committees that are suiting to each member’s level and leisure. Our committees start with the leaders which consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasure and Supreme Leader. With that follow our lower committees such as Education, Public Realtions, Mass Journalism, Media, and Nasheed. Q. What are your values and goals for SSU? What do you wish to take from it? A. In SSU, we really value working together and putting our differences aside. We solely take the Country of Somalia as an example in that we hope to not have to dispute over small differences. We subsist by loving each other in order to work together; we clearly understand that the noblest of us is only the one who has the most taqwaa or piousness in the face of Allah. As for our goals goes, we have many the highest being pleasing Allah, constructing ourselves, and serving both our Mosque and the Muslim community in all ways possible. What we want to take from SSU is patience, courage, and knowledge components like these are vital to live and work with others in society. Q. What is one of the highest achievements SSU has made? A. That achievement by far has to be the Salahudin Journal; we have such gifted writers, editors, and designers that have been able to publish this Bi-Monthly Journal. Salahudin Journal was a bi-monthly Journal written by officals of SSU and members of the Mosque until recently when the center adapted the Dar Al-Hijrah Times. The Dar Al-Hijrah Times is a newspaper that will be published monthly; it will also be written by the members of SSU and the mosque but is opened to anyone who wishes to contribute any writing. Nonetheless the Salahudin Journal will still be published but instead of being bi-monthly it will be an exceptional biyearly journal. One cannot imagine how much work and effort it truly takes to publish such tremendous journals and newspapers. Q. Tell us about a memorable moment in SSU? A. Wow! That’s tough, we have so many. I would have to say writing our constitution. It was not easy and I don’t think any of us will ever forget that moment. I remember that we sat down for over six hours after we wrote our constitution to agree on simple rulings. You would think that the whole

process would take a few days but it took us a while to really come up with an agreeable constitution that we still use today. Q. How can you apply what you learn or do in SSU to everyday life? A. That’s a very good question, all of the lessons we learn in SSU are very imperative to the society. We learn to work together and sometimes give up something we love in order to sacrifice for a brother or sister. We have also learned that truly patience is the key to many doors because there will be times that you really cannot take it anymore. Also diligence is highly regarded; we have learned to be on time since that really applies to many aspects of our daily life. I think it’s safe to say that some of us arrive 10 minute early to our everyday appointments because of SSU. Everything we do and learn in SSU is all but life skills we can not only implement into our daily lives but we must. Q. Since you have been president, what things have changed? A. A lot has changed because experience and time really make a difference. Our initial goal was to change the world but we learned that we must start narrow; thus, we now work to aid ourselves and the ones around us. We have also learned that small things that one continues to do are more vital and resourceful then a big job that is left to be undone. Our meetings are much more constructed with laws and our writing skills are becoming much more improved. We have succeeded way beyond thought adding to the fact that we have a full written constitution that was written by our own members, that’s impressive for a young group of youth. We have also held many events which in each event we do we become better; this is not to say that there is no room for improvement.

Q. What advice would you give to the youth? A. If I were to give the youth advice, I would tell them to really get involved. I believe that I have changed a lot about myself because of my involvement. I mean, if you look at it we keep on talking in despairing ways, mentioning how bad things are getting; “Why do not I change? Why do not they change? Why do not we change?” It’s good to wonder and complain but we need to reach the better….and see the better. We also need to stop, but have we? Honestly, we need to stop and take a breath to see the other side of the true believers and the true Muslims. This does not only

Entertainment Section: Little Mohamed Wanted BY KHALI MOHAMED kmohamedi@daralhijrah.com

As Muslims we tend to always be on the serious side for the majority of the time. Yet we rarely realize that we don’t have to make things harder then they are. I once learned that its good to cry, good to listen, and good to laugh but if you are missing one of these components then this can led to a series of downfalls. So for this edition of the Dar Al-Hijrah Times, I have some rather funny jokes for you. With regards to that please be careful and control your laughing because you are hearing one of the best jokes you will ever hear taken from the joke expert here on the Dar Al-Hijrah Times team. Have a laugh why don’t you? “And your smiling in the face of your brother is charity, your removing of stones, thorns, and bones from people’s paths is charity, and your guiding a man gone astray in the world is charity for you.”

Foolish Police , Little (Mohamed’s) kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station. There they saw pictures tacked to a big bulletin board. The label clearly read, "The 10 Most Wanted." One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person. "Yes," said the policeman, "the detectives want him very badly." So Little (Mohamed) asked, while tugging on the man’s belt,”Um, mister, why did not you keep them when you took their pictures?"

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Updates on Dar Al-Hijrah New Programs BY KAAMIL HAIDER khaider@daralhijrah.com Two new more halaqas additional to the previous ones; a new wide door with patio in progress; Washburn High School Somali Student Association won the final cup of Interactive Educational Competition; and the 'Most Excellence Award' goes to teacher Abdikadir M. Ibrahim for his

continous effort to help progress Dar Al-Hijrah and our community in Minnesota at large. Before all of this, Ramadan came and then it disappeared off in the air as a sign that time is really precious and needs clear analysis. Right after Ramadan, the center has put two programs together to give the community more reasons to come to the center and learn more about their religion, and yes, even how to organize your time. (Seriously). Life Making 101 is a youth program initated by one of the teachers at Salahudin Dugsi School to help the youth under comprehensively what is expected from them in this life and hereafer, while not forgeting as to how to tackle issues that really matter to us in this life, i.e. organizing your time, setting up an agenda or plan weekly, learning ways to engage in the community, etc. On top of this program, Qisas Al-Ambiya is a new halaqa that focuses on the history line of prophets. In this day of age, Muslims tend to think that the only prophet they can get any prophetic solutions is from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Though that might be true, but we cannot ignore the tremendous foundations that has been put up for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by the previous prophets such as Adam, Noah, Ibrahim, Musa, & 'Issa (peace be upon them).

imply to the companions or the early communities, but to today. Have we noticed how much good is in our own hands? How much hope is surrounding us for a better future? Have we noticed the quantity of young preachers who really care for the religion and want us all to care? Or better yet, have we heard of Amr Khaled when he talks about the youth and the change they can and will do? On a daily basis, we talk about working together but that can never be done until one has the experience. The world needs us; we need to stop tuning into the tunes of “Waiting on the World to Change.” Why must we wait, it’s time we get out there and do our part. After all it is our world and we are part of it. I urge all youth to be useful. Muslims are one of a kind community because they are useful and not sludge bags that have no purpose in life. We were created to worship Allah and being useful is worshiping Allah. Lets wake up from this sleep we are in and do our part. There you have a complete interview from the former president of Salahudin Student Union. One thing is for sure, they have got all it takes. Not only are they one of many, but to many they are one of a kind.

To learn more about SSU and their activities and more, please visit us online at www. daralhijrah.com under "Youth" section. If you are an elementary or high school student and would like to get involved with SSU and their work, please contact them via ssu@daralhijrah.com and/or 612-2260134.

............................................................. Starting the first week of November there will be a new Quranic dugsi for younger children right here at the center on Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. There will be a similar teachings for adults as well so they, too, can benefit from these Quranic teachings. More information on these newly established programs can be found at the third page of this newspaper in depth. With those new programs in mind, we will leave you with one though and one thought only; time passess quickly, better take your chances now with life than later.

More information on these new programs and others can be found on the web as well; www.daralhijrah.com.

............................................................. NEED QUICK ANSWER TO WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE CENTER CHECK THE UPDATED BANNER ON THE WEBSITE WITH MORE INFORMATION AT THE BOTTOM TUNE TO

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7A Health Section: Daily Healthy Advice BY DAR AL-HIJRAH HEALTH DEPT. health@daralhijrah.com Make this advice for your daily healthy habit : 1. Clean your hands often and specially wash them *After using bathroom *Before and after eating food *After shaking someone’s hand 2. Avoid touching as much as possible your * Nose * Mouth * Eyes 3. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when * Coughing * Sneezing * Yawning 4. Get regular and enough * Exercise * Rest * Sleep * Health balanced meals 5. Stay away/distance yourself from sick people

Vol. 1 No. 1 November 2008 - Thul-Qa'dah 1429

Somali Section: Daily Healthy Advice

Somali Section: Waano ku Saabsan Cafimaadka

Qofka Muslimka Ah iyo Fidinta Diinta Walalayaal waxaan ku soo gunaanudayaa in qof walba Alle oo Muslim ah in uu guto wajibka kasaaran gudbinta

QORAY Waaxad Cafimaadka ee Daar AlHijrah health@daralhijrah.com

ka bilooday booga 1-aad

hadlaysaa Yahuud kaliyah ee maxaa naga galay anaga. War miyaadan ogayn sababta Yahuuda noolaga waramay in ay tahay in lagu ogaysiiyo khaladka aay madax addaygooda iyo wuxuu dhaliyay ciqaab oga yimid Alle xagiisa. Qur’aanku wuxuu ka qisoonaya ummadahii hore qisoonyin koodii si Qof waliba uu uga foojignaado oo uu isga illaaliyo ciribta xun ka imaanaysa falkaas ka dib. Dhinaca kale waxaa mudan in la qeexo lanana cadeeyo wax yaabaha looga baahanyahay ruuxa markuu rabo in uu gudbiyo diinta Alle. Waxaa ka mid ah waxyaabahas kuwaan soo socda. • • • • •

cilmi u lahaansho dhaqan galin sabir xikmad iyo kuwa kaloo badan

diinta Alle si aan uga badbaadno tilmaantii reer banii Israa’iil; culamadoodii lagu ceebeyay. Nabigeena (naxariis iyo nabadgalyo kor kiisa ha ahaatee) wuxuu yiri. “hadii mid idinka idin ka mid ah xumaan arko haku dooriyo gacantiisa; haduusan awoodin carabkiisa; haduusan awoodin ha ka naco qalbigiisa, tasaana ugu daciifsan iimaanka.” Waxyaabaha nahaysta waxaa ugu waaweyn in qofi danbi u sameeyo ama uu qariyo xaqqa si uu u raali galiyo saaxiibkii ama walaalkii uu markaana kacareyo Allahii abuuray. Ruux baa walaalkii dambi ka gali, markaasuu la safan isagoo og in uu walaalkii gar daranyahay. Walaallayaal Alle halaga baqo oo qofina yuunan ku raali galin qof kale wuxuu Alle uusan ku raali ahayn. Asallamu caleykum waraxmatullahi wavarakaatuhu.

Dhaq gacmahaada marwalba gaar ahaan • Markaad musqusha isticmaasho • Cunitaanka cuntada kohor iyo kadib • Markaad salaanto qof Iska ilaali intaad awoodo taabashada • Sankaada • Afkaada • Indhahaada Warqad nadiif ah ku dabool afkaada iyo sankaada markaad • Qufacayso • Hindhisoonayso • Haamhaamsanyso ama halaaqoonayso Waxaad heshaa jookteena • Dhaqadhaqaaqa jirka • Nasashada • Hurdada • Cunto isku dhan oo caafimaad leh Iska ilaali kana fogow dadka jiran

Greater then the Numbers of Lettters Back to School: the story revealed BY KHALI MOHAMED kmohamed@daralhijrah.com

“God says in chapter XVII:89, "And indeed We have displayed for mankind in this Qur'an all kind of similitudes, but most of mankind refuse everything except disbelief. " And again in chapter XXIX:43 God talks of metaphors as a means of expression, "As for these similitudes, We coin them for mankind, but none will grasp their meanings except the wise." -Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabataba'i For many the significance of the Quran is never considered. Daily we are told that the Quran will guide us through life helping us shape our decisions and acts. Thus it’s very important that we understand and comprehend the Quran fully so that we may follow its command, after all it is the words of Allah. With that said this edition of SJ journal will feature “ten words” put together by a scholar of Islam so that you may ponder these ten words and study each of them precisely. These ten words have a meaning greater then their length so take them wisely for they may help you to understand the true essence of wisdom. 1. The Most Selfish One-Letter Word "I" Avoid It (Surah Al Kahf 18:34)

2. The Most Satisfying Two-Letter Word "WE" Use It Surah Al An'am 6:71-72

3. The Most Poisonous Three-Letter Word "EGO" Kill It Surah Al Qasas 28:78

4. The Most Used Four-Letter Word "LOVE" Value It (Surah Al Rum 30:21)

5. The Most Pleasing Five Letter Word "SMILE" Keep It (Surah Al Najm 53:43)

6. The Fastest Spreading Six-Letter Word "RUMOUR" Ignore It (Surah Al Hujurat 49:12)

7. The Hardest Working Seven Letter Word "SUCCESS" Achieve It (Surah Al Nur 24:37-38)

8. The Most Enviable Eight-Letter Word "JEALOUSY" Distance It (Surah Yusuf 12:8-9)

9. The Most Powerful Nine-Letter Word "KNOWLEDGE" Acquire It (of Allah & the Holy Qu'ran) Surah Ya Sin 36:2 Surah Yusuf 12:2

10. The Most Essential Ten-Letter Word "CONFIDENCE" Trust It (Trust in Allah's Guidance) Surah Yunus 10: 9 Surah Al Tawbah 9:51

BY KHADIJA HASSAN khassan@daralhijrah.com

School all over again. Can you say repetition? No one is using their full potential, not being themselves, and islamically not in tune. I’ll walk you through a typical school year. Join me as I teach the ropes of school time. Muslim students are coming to school and leaving Islam at home. They are unprepared in the aspects of school, losing their identity, and running away from their Islamic behavior. TARDY! Coming late to class: AGAIN. And no I don’t have a pencil! In class no one listens to the teachers directions. And YES there was homework. They walk in late AND they decide to be disrespectful as if they are funny. And may I say they are NOT. They give Islam a bad name simply by trying to “fit in”. Quite ridiculous if you ask me, but the odds of that are slim. You are not coby. You are not lil Wayne. You are most definitely NOT being yourself. Talk about identity theft. Seriously? Isn’t your name Mohamed not Mo? Isn’t your name Samia not Sam? If you don’t mind I would prefer if you kept your under garments UNDER your clothes. What happened to holding up the Muslim image? To me it looks like you cant hold your clothes up. What happen to YOU sticking to your deen? Not your clothes sticking to YOU. When we are in school we are different people with different morals and a personality. What a shame that not everyone can see your Islamic attitude. That you lock up your Muslim beauty to uphold a face in society. Subhanallah I think we can do better. We as Muslims are individuals we should take advantage of that. Islam is something to be proud not looked down upon. We should have our attitude reflect our deen because we represent Islam every where we go. Always be yourself and never try to please others. Remember that they are not the ones who will get you to jannah so please your lord who created you and who can so easily take you. Here we go again. Back to school.

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